I have to admit that, until recently, I never really considered the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, to be a tourist destination. Yes, I’ve driven through Worcester several times on various road trips across the state and I've known people who work and live in the city. Worcester also comes into the conversation quite frequently when out-of-state guests fail to properly pronounce its name. But the truth is Worcester is an up-and-coming city that has a ton to offer both locals and tourists. If you haven’t visited Worcester lately...
I have to admit that, until recently, I never really considered the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, to be a tourist destination. Yes, I’ve driven through Worcester several times on various road trips across the state and I've known people who work and live in the city. Worcester also comes into the conversation quite frequently when out-of-state guests fail to properly pronounce its name. But the truth is Worcester is an up-and-coming city that has a ton to offer both locals and tourists. If you haven’t visited Worcester lately, I highly suggest taking a trip to this underrated city in Massachusetts.
With a population of 209,566, Worcester is the second-largest city in Massachusetts. While not nearly as talked about as the capital city of Boston, this mid-sized city has so much to offer in the way of sports, arts, dining, and culture.
One of Worcester’s newest venues is Polar Park, a 9,508-seat baseball stadium that is home to the minor league Worcester Red Sox (best known as the Woosox). The stadium opened in 2021 and has quickly become a major attraction. An outing to this family-friendly park is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
I also suggest checking out the entertainment scene in town. The DCU Center is a fantastic place to catch a show or game and the Palladium features some great concerts. There are also several fabulous museums, performance venues, and clubs in town.
While you are visiting Worcester, be sure to check out some of the scenic outdoor areas. Lake Quinsigamond is a beautiful place to swim, fish, walk, or boat. If you time your trip right, you can catch spirited competitive rowing here. The Hadwen Arboretum at Clark University (one of 10 universities and colleges in the area) is also a gorgeous place for a hike.
And if you are into unique and off-the-beaten path landmarks, head to the top of Prospect Hill in Salisbury Park. Here you will find Bancroft Tower, a magnificent 56-foot-high man-made structure built in 1900. Although the inside of the tower is not typically open for public tours, it is still a stunning sight to behold.
A great city getaway just isn’t complete without sampling some of the local food. While there are so many options to choose from in Worcester, from fine dining to breweries to casual coffee shops, my favorite local place to dine is George’s Coney Island. This classic hot dog stand has been a staple in Worcester since 1918 and the dogs here are affordable and delicious.
So are you ready to put the city of Worcester on your vacation bucket list? Or maybe you have visited and would like to tell us all about your experience. Share your favorite places in Worcester by filling out a nomination form. You can find out even more about this fabulous city at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce website. And if you need lodging, I suggest staying at the highly ranked Beechwood Hotel.